Is there anything that I need to tell my doctor(s)?

Remember, the average time that a doctor spends with his patient is roughly five minutes. Often, it is not even this long. Remember the old adage that you never have a second chance to make a first impression. This is not to say that there will not be other times in which you will be able to visit with your doctor, but a doctor will only chart those things in your medical records that you say. He cannot assume anything. Below is a list of things that you should include in your talks with any doctor when you are pursuing Social Security Disability based on Multiple Sclerosis.

location of pain or symptoms

frequency of symptoms

length of time you have experienced symptoms

whether you have experienced flare-ups

intensity of symptoms

Degree in which daily activities are affected. Summarize a day in your life.

Review and list the type of medications being used, their effectiveness and side effects.

Be specific. Do not answer questions vaguely. For example, when a physician asks, “How are you feeling?” Do not reply by only saying, “bad.” Instead, be specific. Why is it bad? How is it bad?

It is important that you doctor is aware of your Multiple Sclerosis symptoms, side effects of any medications taken, and ways in which your condition effects your daily functioning. With this knowledge he/she may be able to help you during the SSDI claims process.